35 - A Sect Leader’s Ascension

During the night at Heihe Peak, inside the sect leader's private chambers: "This... doesn't look easy!" Zhang Shishi set aside the wooden slip in his hand, constantly rubbing his temple with his thumb and forefinger, looking quite distressed. "There are only ten of us, and the cultivation method outlined requires significant manpower. We simply can't manage it." Zhan Yuan chimed in, "And if we use this method, the lifeblood will be in Zhao's family control. I'm afraid by then... perhaps we should ask Senior Zhao for another option?" "Another option? This small wooden slip was exchanged for a tier-three spirit stone. Are you willing to part with another?" Qi Xiu retorted with some displeasure. Seeing Qi Xiu's displeasure, Zhan Yuan fell silent. But Zhang Shishi, with an earnest expression, continued, "Moreover, these creatures can't even be classified as spirit beasts. It's quite unsuitable for cultivators like us to raise such animals, don't you think?" "What's unsuitable? As long as it brings in spirit stones, it's suitable! Who cares if it's a spirit beast? What's the difference between raising these creatures and those spirit beasts? Are we still worried about our status? We've fallen to such a state; where do we get the audacity to argue about suitability?" Qi Xiu was truly angry, loudly questioning as he swung the wooden slip in the air, seemingly ready to hurl it at Zhang Shishi at any moment. Since returning with this from Zhao Liangde, he summoned Zhang Shishi and Zhan Yuan to his chamber to study the slip. However, they kept giving reasons and raising doubts, reluctant to rear the livestock described on the wooden slip. Despite the sect's dire financial situation, they wanted to turn away a chance to earn spirit stones; how could Qi Xiu not be furious? "In any case, please, Senior Brother Sect Leader, reconsider!" For some reason, Zhang Shishi was resolute, this time not giving heed to Qi Xiu's outward rage, stood up, and strode directly out. "You!" It was the first time since becoming sect leader that someone challenged his authority. Qi Xiu was so enraged, veins bulging on his forehead, his face contorted in anger. Having been sect leader for just over two months, unknowingly, his temperament had also grown more volatile. The reason for Zhang Shishi's resistance was clear to Qi Xiu. The wooden slip from Zhao Liangde introduced a creature called the Xiangpu Pigfish for them to raise. Strictly speaking, the Xiangpu Pigfish couldn't be categorized with pigs. It's a unique creature neither entirely pig nor fish, resembling both, found only in marshy environments. To adapt to swamp life, the Xiangpu Pigfish has a pig's nose and jaws, fish scales, and gills. Its limbs are a cross between animal hooves and fish fins. It's one of the few creatures that can live with minor habitat modifications to Heihe, preferring filthy environments and feeding on the roots of the plant known as the Wuxin Lotus. Typically, it's not considered a spirit beast as it lacks spiritual qualities. However, the pigfish, dwelling in such foul habitats, has flesh that's remarkably tender. With a touch of salt and roasting, it releases a special herbal scent and has certain medicinal values, making it quite the delicacy. Of course, if it were merely for satisfying hunger, Zhao Liangde wouldn't use spirit stones, a resource for cultivators, to buy. This pigfish is highly favored by several spirit beasts of the Spirit Beast Sect. Using Xiangpu Pigfish as a small reward when taming these spirit beasts can effectively enhance the bond between them and the cultivators. Though the Spirit Beast Sect's breeding methods are simplified through countless years of refinement by this significant sect, this type of consumable livestock requires a substantial supply to ensure decent income. With Chu Qin Men being sparsely populated, the effort of raising them is a given. If Qi Xiu could find other means of livelihood, he wouldn't want to engage in this. However, even a major sect like Nan Chu Men, with a Nascent Soul stage cultivator, couldn't figure out a way to profit from Heihe. What hope does the Qi Refinement stage Chu Qin Men have? Seeing Qi Xiu sulking in frustration, Zhan Yuan, with his more diplomatic nature, considered for a moment and gently reassured, "Sect Leader Senior Brother, Brother Zhang has a bit of pride, and the initial notion of pig farming might be hard for him to digest. He has always respected you and will eventually understand and appreciate your efforts. It's just that the task of constructing the mountain-protection formation hasn't been going smoothly, and he's been overwhelmed with work, growing anxious. Please, don't take it to heart." "Sigh, I can't help but mind. The summer in the Southern Regions will soon pass, and the wooden slip clearly states that the seeds of the Wuxin Lotus must be sown before the winter solstice. Only then can the soil quality of Heihe be slightly improved by the following summer, allowing pigfish juveniles to survive and leading to the first harvest the year after. Missing the season will mean wasting a whole year. A year without income, and the materials and spirit stones I brought back will ultimately be exhausted!" Qi Xiu's heart was filled with anxiety, and he could feel the cold sore, healed for a time, threatening to resurface at the corner of his mouth. "But..." Zhan Yuan's concerns differed slightly from Qi Xiu and Zhang Shishi. "But the wooden slip clearly states that to prevent the Xiangpu Pigfish species from leaking out of the Spirit Beast Sect, each must be neutered before being sold to us. This way, we will have to purchase juveniles from Zhao's family every year, always subject to their control. Zhao Liangde's reputation isn't stellar; isn't this... unwise?" Qi Xiu raised his brow, giving Zhan Yuan a commendable look. "It's commendable that you've noticed this, but we are the ones seeking their help. This venture guarantees some income annually. If we don't pursue it, we gain nothing, and my Ten Directions Storage Bag, worth a tier-three spirit stone, would be a wasted gift. As for Zhao Liangde's character, Senior Wang from the Camp Market clearly stated he's greedy but honest, often fulfilling promises. By the time we earn back our investment, even if he ceases supplies, by then, we'll likely have established a foothold at Heihe and could find alternative income sources." "Given that, I have no objections," Zhan Yuan bowed courteously. "Then it's settled. Once you finish with the mountain protection formation and residences, start cultivating the Wuxin Lotus in full force! I will begin surveying Heihe for suitable breeding locations tomorrow. Also, try to persuade Brother Shishi, it's a decision I've made, and his stubbornness won't change it!" Qi Xiu instructed firmly. This opposition from Zhang Shishi served as a reminder that Qi Xiu, despite lower cultivation compared to Zhang Shishi, can't always yield. Otherwise, managing the sect later, especially with He Yu's continually advancing cultivation, would be challenging. Without authority, when everyone in the sect has their own agenda, chaos would ensue. It's crucial to establish the sect leader’s authority decisively this time. "Understood!" Zhan Yuan responded as he took his leave. (To be continued.)